Skype 2.1 for Android brings video calls to more phones

By Geoff Duncan August 4, 2011

Skype 2.1 Android — Image used with permission by copyright holder

VoIP leader Skype—in the process of being acquired by tech giant Microsoft—has rolled out version 2.1 of its Skype application for Android phones, substantially expanding the number of handsets that can handle video calls. Initial versions of the video calling feature—just launched in June—supported video calling on just a handful of smartphones. Version 2.1 adds explicit support for 17 new handsets—and Skype notes that even if a users’ handset isn’t specifically listed, they might be able to turn on video calling in the app preferences anyway.

“For those of you using Android 2.2 (Froyo) and above, you should still be able to enable video calling in your Skype settings. Just go to ‘Skype settings’ after launching the app and select ‘enable video calling,'” wrote Mark Douglas in the company’s blog. “Unfortunately, if you cannot see the video calling settings, it means your Android phone does not meet the minimum requirements.”

According to Skype, users of Android 2.2 “Froyo” phones that aren’t certified for use with Skype may only find that the back camera on their device works with the service—front camera support will eventually be rolled out for devices running Android 2.3 or newer.

Skype 2.1 explicitly supports video calling on devices like the Acer A5, a swath of HTC devices (the Sensation, Flyer, Evo 3D and 4G, Desire HD, and original Desire), along with the Samsung Galaxy S series and Galaxy Tab, the LG Revolution, and Sony Xperia mini pro, Play, and ray devices.

Skype’s strong support for Android may soon be another source of Android-derived revenue for Microsoft, which has been pressuring companies to execute patent licenses to protect them from potential infringement litigation against Android. Microsoft is reportedly pressuring Samsung to pay $15 for every Android handset it sells. In the meantime, every penny Skype earns will eventually trickle into Microsoft’s coffers: its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype is expected to be approved by the end of the year.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Microsoft

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

The Google Pixel 8a is official. Here’s everything that’s new

Someone taking a phone call on the aloe Google Pixel 8a.

A week ahead of its annual developers' conference, Google has dropped a new budget phone in its Pixel-A series. The Google Pixel 8a retains the line’s signature look with a horizontal camera island at the back, but serves it in a package that embraces rounded corners and also happens to be fractionally smaller and lighter

The most meaningful changes are reserved for the display, silicon, and battery. The OLED screen’s size remains the same at 6.1 inches with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. However, the refresh rate has been increased to 120Hz, up from the Google Pixel 7a's 90Hz display. This HDR-ready panel offers a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits and also features a fingerprint sensor underneath.

Mobile

Apple has quietly killed its cheapest iPad

Three 2021 iPads are stacked on a table.

The iPad lineup has received a price bump after Apple quietly killed its cheapest iPad model. Apple’s 9th-generation iPad used to cost $329, but has been discontinued. At the same time, the company has reduced the 10th-gen iPad’s starting price by $100, which means it’s now priced at $349. As a result, getting the cheapest iPad means you'll now spend $20 more than before.

The 9th-gen Apple iPad was launched in 2021 with the A13 chipset and Apple's Center Stage featur,e but retained the same old design with the already-old Lightning port and home button. With Apple moving to a USB-C port on all devices to comply with EU laws, it was inevitable that Apple would discontinue the 9th-gen iPad this year. The iPhone SE remains the only Apple product with a home button and a Lightning port that's still available in the company's lineup.

Mobile

Best iPhone 15 deals: How to get Apple’s latest iPhone for free

The display on a green iPhone 15.

The Apple iPhone lineup isn’t often a place to turn for a discount, as Apple deals can be somewhat difficult to come by. The best phone deals often turn up discounts on less premium brands, but there are some ways to save on the iPhone 15, which is Apple’s most recent iPhone release. You’ll find some of the best iPhone 15 deals scattered across retailers, which is why we’ve done some of the heavy lifting and organized them all below. Among the best iPhone deals you’ll find below are some impressive savings even if you don’t have an old device to trade-in.

You can also shop the best refurbished iPhone deals if you’re looking for ultimate savings, and there are plenty of iPhone 14 deals to shop if having the most recent iPhone release isn’t of importance to you.
Today's best iPhone 15 deals